SANTA CLARA, Calif.—The 49ers drafted Michael Crabtree at No. 10 overall in 2009 thinking that his greatest gift would be his ability to pick up yards after the catch.

That was mostly missing in his first three, uneven seasons, but it's come roaring to the forefront this season. Crabtree has a reputation for being a diva—former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams called him a "fake-ass prima donna" in his infamous meeting-room speech Jan. 13—but the receiver's game has evolved into one of grit and determination.

Michael Crabtree didn't exactly storm into the NFL after a prolific collegiate career, but the fourth-year wide receiver out of Texas Tech is emerging as the 49ers' top pass-catching threat. (AP Photo)

Yes, Crabtree is quick in and out of his breaks, but it's his ability to break tackles and stay on his feet after the catch that has stood out in season wins against Detroit and Monday against the Cardinals.

The 49ers' receivers had 131 yards after the catch in the 24-3 win over Arizona, and 62 of them came after four short throws to Crabtree, who finished with five catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns. For the season, he has 39 catches for 440 yards—both team highs—and three TDs.

His rapport with quarterback Alex Smith also has improved. The start of the 2010 season, for example, was marked by a decided lack of rapport between the two, which resulted in tipped passes and interceptions.

Smith and Crabtree began to click midway through the 2011 season, and the receiver is replacing Vernon Davis—recently the focus of opposing defenses—as Smith's go-to target.